World Kidney Day is marked on the second Thursday in March to bring awareness about the importance of kidneys in maintaining the overall health of an individual.

World Kidney Day is celebrated on March 10 this year. The theme for this year's celebration is "Kidney Health for all" and aims to bridge the gap in kidney health education and literacy. World Kidney Day campaigns to reduce the frequency and the impact of kidney disease worldwide.

Here are some important facts about Kidney Disease:

  1. It is estimated that one in 10 people worldwide has kidney disease.
  2. In the U.S, although 37 million people get affected by kidney disease, around 90 percent of them are unaware of the fact that they have the disease.
  3. Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S and mortality continues to increase every year.
  4. Kidney disease is projected to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040.
  5. It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults who have diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure may get kidney disease.

Kidneys play several vital roles, including removal of extra fluid and body waste, controlling of body's chemical balance, and blood pressure. Kidneys also help maintain bone health and the production of red blood cells. So by taking care of kidney health, one can maintain the overall health of an individual.

People with kidney disease are advised to lower their blood pressure, manage blood sugar levels, reduce salt intake and reduce protein intake. Apart from this, early detection and effective treatment help to keep the disease under control.

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Here are some tips to take care of your vital renal organ:

  1. Regular Exercise and Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help to maintain the ideal body weight, which can in turn help to reduce blood pressure and the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease.
  2. Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drinking water helps to clear sodium and toxins from kidneys and lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.
  3. Do Not Smoke: As smoking damages blood vessels, it can reduce the blood flow throughout the body and to the kidneys.
  4. Watch The Painkillers You Take: According to health experts, people who regularly take over-the-counter pain reliefs for chronic pain, headaches and arthritis may develop kidney damage.
  5. Test Your Kidney Function If You Are At High Risk: Regular screening helps in the early detection of kidney disease. You may be at high risk of developing kidney disease if you have a family history of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, if you had a low birth weight, or if you are obese or aged above 60. Routine screening is recommended for such high-risk individuals.
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